Person may suffer from different diseases and therefore need to adopt different diet plan to recuperate form the ailment. Different food have different functions and thus the same diet cannot benefit all diseased condition. Special care should be given in diet when suffering from body illness like fever, hypertension, diabetes etc. There are diet that should be strictly prohibited in certain diseases while some food are highly recommended for recuperating the disease or fighting the disease. Also care should be taken about recommended dietary allowances of nutrients for specific age group and gender and particular diseases.
1. Fever:
Food to recommend:
- 1. Fluid rich food like soup, gruel, hot tea, 100% fruit juice, poultry broth.
- 2. Fresh seasonal fruits like oranges, strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi that are high in antioxidant and rich source of vitamin C to increase health of immune system. Citrus fruits also contain flavonoid compound that decrease inflammation.
- 3. Probiotics containing beneficial live bacteria can lower fever.
- 4. Protein rich food help to strengthen immune system. However, should be consumed small portion in intervals. Chicken soup, mushroom soup are easy to digest while red meat are difficult to digest and thus should be avoided.
Food to avoid:
- 1. Red meat, fish and shell fish
- 2. Junk food, oily food, high cholesterol diet
- 3. Tobacco smoking and alcohol
- 4. Spicy food and seasonings
2. Cardio vascular diseases (CVD)
Food to recommend:
- Oily fish such as mackerel, sardine, tuna, salmon which contain omega three fatty acid. These help to decrease triglyceride (TG) and increase high density lipoprotein (HDL).
- Nuts and vegetable oil that contain omega six fatty acid such as corn, soy and safflower.
- Fruits and vegetables are rich source of antioxidants that often protect against heart disease
- Fiber rich food like whole grain, cereal, fruit and vegetable
- Tea: antioxidant in tea help prevent fat build up in arteries
- Alcohol in moderation can contribute antioxidants; especially red wine.
Food to avoid:
- Trans fat containing food such as deep fried food and hydrogenated vegetable ghee
- Saturated fat containing food such as butter, cream, animal fat, whole milk
- High slat food like processed food, chips, sausage and canned fish and meat
- Ice-cream, cakes, sweetened beverages and deserts that contain added sugar
3. Diabetes Mellitus
Food to recommend:
- Whole grains, brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, amaranth and millet
- Vegetables provide high amount of fiber and little carbohydrate. However, non-starchy group of vegetable should be preferred such as spinach, broccoli, cucumber, onion, asparagus etc.
- Fruits contain high fiber and can serve cut sugar craving. By choosing them well, body gets variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruit.
- Protein food are necessary for a healthy diet. They help to feel full and you don’t have to count on carbohydrate.
Food to avoid:
- White rice and polished rice
- Blended coffees, sugar added beverages and carbonated drinks
- Sweetened bakeries and confectioneries, cakes, pastries, muffin and bagel.
- Processed food like French fries and fatty meat
- Dairy products like ice-cream, butter, ghee, whole milk and condensed milk.
About Author
Name : Pratiksha Shrestha
pratiksha.shrestha2001@gmail.com
Ms. Shrestha holds masters degree in food engineering and bioprocess technology from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Thailand. She is currently working for Government of Nepal at Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), Kathmandu. She is also a teaching faculty in College of Applied food and Dairy Technology (CAFODAT) affiliated to Purbanchal university, Nepal.